Treatment for Varicose Veins in Legs

Treatment for Varicose Veins in Legs

World-class treatment for the removal of varicose veins in legs, administered by our award-winning team of practitioners.

Varicose veins in legs

Varicose veins in legs are a form of vein disease or Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) which if left untreated, can lead to some more serious and longer lasting issues. For many people, varicose veins in legs can cause throbbing pain and swelling, but fortunately there is world-class treatment for varicose veins in legs available from UK Vein Clinic. We have several treatment options available, but first, let’s find out what varicose veins in legs are and why some people have them.

What are varicose veins in legs?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that commonly appear in the legs and feet. They appear swollen, cause bulging in the legs, and may have a bluish or purple colour. Varicose veins are a result of damaged or weakened vein walls and malfunctioning valves that are supposed to prevent blood from flowing backwards.

When the valves in the veins don't function properly, blood can pool and collect in the veins, causing them to become swollen and visibly bulge. Whilst varicose veins are often seen as a cosmetic concern, they can lead to discomfort and, in some cases, more severe health issues so it is always best to get them checked and treated as early as possible to prevent long-lasting issues. 

‍Find out more about the symptoms of varicose veins in legs

What causes varicose veins in legs?

Varicose veins in the legs can develop due to a combination of factors that contribute to the weakening and malfunctioning of veins and their valves. When these valves fail to work properly, blood can begin to pool in the veins, causing them to become enlarged, twisted, and visible beneath the skin. Whilst some of these contributing factors are down to genetics, others are due to lifestyle or other medical conditions.
 
Genetics
‍A family history of varicose veins in the legs increases the likelihood of developing them. Genetic factors play a significant role in the overall susceptibility to weakened vein walls and faulty valves which can lead to the appearance of varicose veins.

‍Ageing
‍As people age, the elasticity of veins and the efficiency of valve function can decrease, increasing the risk of varicose veins in legs.

‍Limited physical activity
‍Regular exercise helps promote healthy blood circulation, so a lifestyle with minimal physical activity can weaken the veins and contribute to the formation of varicose veins in legs.

‍Gender
‍Women are more prone to developing varicose veins than men, which is mostly down to hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, which can affect vein walls and valves.

‍Blood clots
‍A history of blood clots in the legs or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can damage veins and increase the risk of varicose veins forming in the legs.

‍Medical conditions
‍Conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency and vascular diseases can affect vein function and contribute to the development of varicose veins in legs.

How to get rid of varicose veins in legs

Here at UK Vein Clinic, we only use the most effective, safest methods for removing varicose veins in legs. 

‍Radiofrequency Ablation
‍Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (EVRF) is the best overall option for varicose vein treatment, according to current scientific evidence. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed under local anaesthesia with numbing cream. This means that there is less risk of scarring and a shorter recovery time than with other techniques, whilst delivering extremely effective results.

‍What is Endovenous radiofrequency ablation?
‍EVRF is a thermal treatment that uses radio energy to generate and direct a precise source of heat. This heat is used to seal off the varicose vein in the leg, preventing blood from flowing through it. The vein eventually shrinks and disappears, reducing the appearance from the surface.

‍Foam sclerotherapy
‍Sclerotherapy is an ultrasound-guided procedure that uses a special foam to close damaged veins. It is an older form of treatment for varicose veins in legs, but the use of advanced duplex ultrasound scanning makes it as modern and reliable as newer techniques.

The foam is injected directly into the vein, causing the varicose vein to collapse and close. The procedure is virtually painless and is performed under local anaesthesia. Sclerotherapy has a low risk of varicose vein recurrence and the aftercare is simple, making it still a popular choice for patients. 

Treatment for Varicose Veins in Legs - in 4 simple steps

1. Contact us today to book an initial diagnostic assessment with us, where we will help you understand whether varicose vein treatment is the right first step for you at this time. We’ll assess the cause of your varicose veins and we will get a full and accurate 'map' of them, detecting any clotting or other abnormalities in your deep veins with a duplex ultrasound scan. After your session, you will have a better understanding of your varicose veins and the most suitable treatment for you.
2. After discussing the treatment options available for you, we’ll get your varicose veins removal booked in with us.
3. At your treatment appointment, one of our specialist practitioners will carry out the minimally-invasive treatment best suited to you (either Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation (EVRF) or Sclerotherapy. We will apply a local anaesthetic to the treatment area to minimise any discomfort.
4. We will schedule a follow-up consultation with you to ensure that your veins are properly closed and healing correctly. You may need to return for further varicose vein removal sessions, depending on the severity and number of varicose veins being treated.

Varicose veins in legs -  treatment across the UK

We’re proud to offer world-class treatment for varicose veins in legs across the UK. Get in touch with us if you have any questions, or to book your diagnostic assessment with us.

Varicose Veins Legs - FAQs

How do you prevent varicose veins in legs?

Unfortunately, it is not entirely possible to prevent the development of varicose veins in legs but things like living a healthy lifestyle, wearing compression stockings and elevating your legs frequently can minimise the risk. Ultimately, some factors like genetics and ageing can still play a role in the development of varicose veins.

Do I need to prepare for varicose vein removal treatment?

We will discuss everything you need to know to prepare for your varicose vein treatment removal. You may need to stop taking certain medications and we recommend bringing someone with you to the treatment appointment. 

Is the treatment for removing varicose veins on legs painful?

At UK Vein Clinic, we use modern treatments that are minimally invasive and cause minimal discomfort. Local anaesthesia or numbing agents are often used during the procedure.

Are the results of treatment for varicose veins in legs permanent?

While treatments can effectively reduce or eliminate varicose veins in legs, new ones might develop over time due to factors like genetics or lifestyle. Regular follow-ups and maintenance are advised to keep an eye on the development of new varicose veins.

How much does varicose vein removal in legs cost?

Our diagnostic assessment price is £350 and after which our team will be able to talk you through a rough estimate for your treatment price. Please see our varicose vein removal prices for more information.